Liverpool sets timeline to appoint Andoni Iraola before talks to replace Arne Slot
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCAndoni Iraola is wanted by Liverpool following the club's decision to fire Arne Slot over the weekend, and formal talks with the Spaniard are expected to start imminentlyAndoni Iraola is the heavy favorite to replace Arne Slot(Image: Getty)Liverpool aims to have appointed Andoni Iraola as Arne Slot's replacement by the time the World Cup gets underway on June 11.It quickly emerged that Iraola was Liverpool's preferred candidate to replace Slot after the Dutchman was fired on Saturday, just six days on from the end of the Premier League season. Liverpool secured Champions League qualification a week ago, and at the time, it was understood that Slot had done enough to keep his job heading into next season.However, an end-of-season review ended with Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards making the decision to relieve Slot of his duties.The Telegraph reports that Liverpool is set to open formal talks with Iraola imminently, and it seems as though Slot's replacement will be installed within days of his exit.As for the review that led to Slot's departure, it is reported that the players were not consulted on the decision and that the call to remove the Dutchman was largely data-led.Slot is said to have been shocked at the decision, which was communicated to him just 90 minutes prior to Liverpool officially confirming the news at around 12.30pm BST on Saturday.Arne Slot was left shocked at Liverpool's decision to dismiss him(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool fired Slot because the club feels as though a shift in the club's style of play is needed in order to bounce back from a disappointing 2025-26 season.The Reds also feel as though the landscape of the Premier League has changed in recent years, leading to a different set of skills being required.Many Liverpool fans were left frustrated by the team's performances this term and a perceived passive approach, and the club intends to hire a replacement – probably Iraola – who implements a more aggressive and front-foot style.Liverpool still deems Slot to be among the leading head coaches in world soccer, but the club no longer felt as though he was the best person to take the club forward.As for Iraola, he is a free agent after running down his contract at Bournemouth.The Spaniard spent three years at the Cherries' helm and only narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification this season, which is a remarkable feat considering the club's relatively meager financial power, and also considering that Iraola had to contend with a host of important players being sold throughout his time there.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FC